Champions Galway off the mark

A ten points winning margin proved flattering to All-Ireland champions Galway, who looked extremely vulnerable 14 minutes into the second half, when they saw their interval lead of 12 points (1-12 to 0-3) reduced to five following a spirited rally by the home side.

Indeed, at this stage, London missed a glorious opportunity to reduce the leeway still further. A brilliant move initiated by centre half back Derek Gordon ended when corner forward Tommy Maguire hit the upright. A goal then could have proved decisive.

Boosted by this let-off, Galway - missing four of their All-Ireland winning team - dominated in the areas that mattered and with Sean O Domhnaill winning everything in the middle of the field, the attack gradually began to find loopholes in a hitherto sound defence.

The main threats to the London goal came from centre forward Ja Fallon while inside Mayo man Pat Rafter had his hands full in coping with the probing runs of full forward Padraig Joyce. Damien Mitchell proved an able deputy at full back for the injured Gary Fahy; but the real defensive strength lay with half backs Ray Silke, John Divilly and Sean Og De Paor.

Once again, London's erratic shooting was a contributory factor in their defeat. Their outstanding players yesterday were Terry McGivern, Conor Wilson, Tom Feehan and Finbar Downey.

Changes at the interval certainly helped London's cause and the switch of former Fermanagh player Tommy Maguire from the corner to an outfield role added more threat to a department which should, on the day's play, have had more to show for their efforts.

Kerryman Mick Galvin justified his recall after a lengthy lay-off, but the real find from London's point of view was half forward Darragh Deering from Westmeath, whose father Shay played rugby for Ireland some years ago.

Overall London matched Galway for fitness, something that was commented upon by GAA president Joe McDonagh, in his after-match address.

As for Galway, yesterday's game should prove a useful preparation in defence of their All-Ireland title, with fringe players Robin Doyle and Fergal Gavin looking the part.